Approach to pulmonary haemorrhage in children: What could it be?

Abstract

Pulmonary haemorrhage is rare in children but can be life-threatening. It is recognised as a triad of haemoptysis, drop in haemoglobin or iron-deficiency anaemia and radiographic evidence of pulmonary infiltrates. Although there can be a myriad of causes, careful history with consideration of co-morbid factors and radio imaging of the chest can help determine the most likely cause. This review will illustrate how to determine the aetiology, types of investigations to perform and management through real-life clinical vignettes.